The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Boeing with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing the company of refusing to negotiate in good faith as a strike at its St. Louis-area defense plants stretches into a third month.
The dispute involves more than 3,200 workers who assemble fighter jets and munitions. The union said Boeing (NYSE:BA) has repeatedly dismissed its proposals without counteroffers, violating federal labor law. Members walked off the job on August 4 after rejecting Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) latest contract, which included a 24% wage hike over five years and a $4,000 bonus.
Union leaders are seeking a deal comparable to what Boeing (BA) granted its Seattle-area workforce last year, with higher retirement contributions. Boeing (BA), for its part, has signaled it won’t raise its offer and has begun hiring replacements to maintain production.
The company’s stance has drawn criticism from lawmakers including Senators Ed Markey, Josh Hawley and Bernie Sanders, who have urged Boeing (BA) to return to serious negotiations, Reuters reported.